Lavinia's Cottage

by John S. Goodall

Lavinia's country cottage and grounds appear in drawings with pop-up parts, tabs, and flaps.

Genres: Picture Books

18 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

John S. Goodall (7 June 1908 – 2 June 1996) was a British author, watercolour painter and illustrator, best known for his wordless picture books such as The Adventures of Paddy Pork, although his output included more conventional pictures, and illustrations for a wide range of publications (including the Radio Times) and books by the "fictitious village schoolmistress Miss Read". Goodall became one of England's most beloved artists due to the subject matter of his works, the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

Reviews

[Gina House · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful little book! I've always adored John S. Goodall's Miss Read illustrations, but it wasn't until I found out about his own books that I became hooked. His charming style is nostalgic, comforting and also excitingly curious.

I loved this lift-the-flap book that tells a sweet story of close friends visiting Lavinia at her cottage. It's hard not to get completely enveloped by the long ago time and quaint characters. Even though it's a very quick "read" for an adult, it's no less joyful, fun or interesting.

I wish I had a better copy since mine is falling apart a bit. A lovely new children's book for my vintage book collection. Highly recommended for all ages!

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, wordless picture book with lots of pop-ups, flaps, and moveable pieces. It seems to be about visiting a child recovering from a type of pox (it's early 1900s based on the clothing).

[SonataReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute pop-up book by John S. Goodall.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book as a child by my grandfather and I loved it - it was very special, and I would go to it a lot.

Having bought a replacement copy as an adult I was rather disappointed... but still give it a five star rating for the pleasure it gave me as a child and for the fond memories I have of it still. Not that I’ll re-read it!

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quaint little pop-up reminiscent of James Herriot's Yorkshire companion. No plot, but pleasing visually.